Skomer is an enchanting island with just about everything an island nature reserve should include. It is the second largest island in Wales, after Anglesey, and one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe. Skomer lies just off the Pembrokeshire coast, separated from the mainland by the turbulent waters of the Jack Sound. Skomer measures 2 miles, east to west; and almost 1.5 miles, north to south.

The central ridge of the island reaches 260 feet high. Skomer is owned by the Countryside Commission for Wales (CCW) and leased by them to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. For nine months of the year, a warden lives on the island. Half a million seabirds nest here each year.

For bird watchers, this makes it one of the best sites to visit in Europe, especially during Springtime, when the bluebells and coastal flowers (sea and red campion, pink thrift) present a wonderful coloured carpet for the birds to land on.

The sheer cliffs support Guillemots (14,000 individuals), Kittiwakes (2,000 pairs), Razorbills (3,500 individuals) and Fulmars (700 pairs). Midland Island, which separates Skomer and the mainland, is home to a colony of Shags (over 30 pairs). About 16 pairs of Cormorants nest on the Mew Stone, to the south of the island.

If you intend visiting Skomer then why not spend a rewarding week travelling around to see all of Pembrokeshire’s wildlife and wonderful scenery?

Choosing one of Whitesands Cottages properties would be an ideal place to stay. Three cottages overlook Whitesands Beach and Ramsey Island beyond; one looks out from a smugglers cove towards Skomer on the horizon.